Independent broadband-friendly home alarm systems

by Ted Wallingford Aug 29th 2007

As more and more folks abandon traditional phone lines in favor of exclusively using cell phones and broadband VoIP services, home alarm system technology is getting dragged out of the dark ages. Historically, in order to alert the alarm monitoring service of an intrusion, an alarm system would place a modem call over a phone line. But since VoIP services and cell phones don't properly support modem calls, the alarm makers have had to adapt.

Some new alarm system vendors now provide IP-based monitoring, so intrusion signals (and in some cases, two-way voice communication) can be transmitted to the security company using the Internet instead of a phone line. NextAlarm.com offers such a solution: a wireless control panel with keychain remote that sits on your home network. Also included are a pair of wireless magnetic door contact sensors and a wireless infrared motion detector. NextAlarm allows its users to install this stuff themselves--and since it's all wireless, you won't need to worry about slinging wires through your attic. The whole system will set you back less than three-hundred bucks, assuming you don't need extra sensors. NextAlarm provides monitoring service, too.

One of NextAlarm's competitors is ProtectAmerica.com, who offers a very similar broadband-capable alarm solution. Completely wireless, ProtectAmerica offers additional sensors for glass breakage, flooding, and low-temperatures. Handy for keeping an eye on that damp basement if you live in the recently water-soaked midwest. ProtectAmerica touts their two-way voice monitoring (through the control panel device) and broadband-compatibility as advantages over a traditional security player like ADT.

Tags: adt, alarm, alarm system, AlarmSystem, nextalarm.com, protectamerica.com, security

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

scottelkin said 11:55AM on 8-29-2007

Stay away from Protect America! You can read my experience with them here:

http://scottelkin.com/archive/2007/05/02/Protect-America-Home-Security.aspx

Also, I wrote up a big review of security companies and different wireless options:

http://scottelkin.com/archive/2007/05/03/Home-Wireless-Security-Systems-Review.aspx

Paul Westbrook said 3:32PM on 8-29-2007

ADTs alarms do work with the VoIP solutions provided by Cable companies. Ours works fine with out Comcast Digital voice service. In addition, ADT offers a cellular connection with the alarm system, so it will work event without a phone line.

Alarm.com also offers ip based security systems.

Phour ZwanZig said 1:01AM on 8-30-2007

I for one can say that Paul is correct. I work for TWC as a service tech, and yes, our DigitalPhone does work with alarm systems. Gets connected up just like Ma Bell

Lee said 3:25AM on 8-30-2007

Uhh, does that mean that if someone packets (DDOS) your home router, they can then break into your home, safe in the knowledge that there's no communication between your alarm system and the security company?

tahlyn said 10:09PM on 8-31-2007

I currently use uControl, http://www.ucontrol.com/.

They have dual connect and triple connect plans (phone, broadband, and cell). I have the triple connect plan. I researched this and felt uControl seemed to be a better product than NextAlarm. I also like their web interface and how I can receive "event" emails throughout the day at work. I've had their service for about 3 months and have liked their service so far.

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